Wasiym James

Wasiym was the epitamy of silence. Words were never wasted by him. So much so that on those rare occasions when he spent time talking you, you knew that you were in a special and privileged place.

Most of us love going to the sea. To Wasiym, it was more than just a place to swim. It was a place of solace and silence where could be alone with his thoughts and at peace. From those days when he would head out for hours or just sit in the waves as if waiting for that transformation that would take him where he belonged. He always gave the impression he was more at home in the water than on land.

His love of drawing came out at an early age right alongside his love of the sea. Fond memories scatter through the minds of all who happened to see him sit and create the colours of his mind. He never achieved the kind of fame most associate with great painters and artists, but his works were just as great to those who saw them.

As we sit and remember him, do not feel sadness for his passing. Because he is home. And you can be assured that right now there is an angel flying over his shoulder begging him to come back to shore even as he smiles and heads out into that vast ocean he has been looking for all his life.

Wasiym is not gone. Not so long as we remember him. He will live forever in the corner of our eyes and the depths of our hearts. In those moment when we remember something he did and smile, not with pain, but with joy at having been there to share that moment.

When I come to the end of my journey. And I travel my last weary mile
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned. And remember only the smile

Forget unkind words I have spoken. Remember some good I have done
Forget that I ever had heartache. And remember I've had loads of fun

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered. And sometimes fell by the way
Remember I have fought some hard battles/ And won, ere the close of the day

Then forget to grieve for my going. I would not have you sad for a day
But in summer just gather some flowers. And remember the place where I lay

And come in the shade of evening. When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me. And remember only my best